Asian Stock Markets Open Mixed as US-Iran Peace Signals Remain Murky

Jakarta, VIVA - Asian-Pacific stock markets opened mixed at the start of trading today, Thursday, 26 March 2026. The fluctuations follow Iran’s stance in rejecting direct meetings with the United States (US), even as Tehran considers a peace proposal submitted by Washington to end the war.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasised that the exchange of messages between the two countries through mediators does not constitute negotiations with the US. Previously, Iranian state media reported that the country would reject the US ceasefire offer and has outlined several conditions.

Global Foreign Exchange and Interest Rate Strategist at Macquarie Group, Thierry Wizman, stated that a ceasefire is unlikely to occur in the near term. According to him, the war is now entering its third phase, namely ‘talking and fighting,’ rather than just talking or just fighting.

“Intensification of military actions by the US in an effort to push Iran to make important concessions is likely to occur in the next two weeks, before major combat operations succeed, possibly in mid-April,” Wizman said, quoted from CNBC International, Thursday, 26 March 2026.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index rose 0.28 per cent. The Topix index also recorded a gain of 0.43 per cent.

In South Korea, the Kospi index fell 1.55 per cent. Meanwhile, the Kosdaq index, comprising small-cap stocks, remained almost unchanged.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index also opened flat. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures index rose to 25,268 from the previous level around 25,335.95.

Meanwhile, US markets closed brightly. The S&P 500 index surged 0.54 per cent to 6,591.90.

The Nasdaq Composite jumped 0.77 per cent to 21,929.83. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 305.43 points or 0.66 per cent to 46,429.49.